Coffee Cantata - Destination Europe 2012

Coffee Cantata is poised to take off next week on a European tour of discovery, 
with "The Window Spotter" in tow.

First stop - PARIS

Courtesy of my taste buds  I'll be spilling the beans on the best coffee pit stops in France, Portugal, Morocco, Spain, and Italy    

Coffee Cantata will unearth the best places to enjoy a memorable cup of coffee.
"The Window Spotter" will seek out goods that deliver that leading designer edge, but with a realistic price tag attached. You'll be in safe hands, on my travel budget thrift is a must.

To re-cap - What is Coffee Cantata all about ?

As my contribution to the pleasures of the palate Coffee Cantata is intended as an 'open ended' blog where coffee tragics (my daughter's take on my habit) can tap into my sources, and hopefully add their own favourite haunts to the collection.

Coffee Cantata is about making comment and giving bouquets (1 for bad to 5 for brilliant) to cafes that come up with a cup of coffee that's worth going back for again and again.I'm not a coffee purist, nor do I claim to be a blends and beans expert, but I do recognise a good cup of coffee when I taste one.

Forty years of globe trotting on at least one cup of coffee a day represents a minimum intake of 14,600 cups (horrors). Some have been sublime, enhanced by the settings and surroundings I chose to enjoy them in, others less than perfect, and by far the biggest percentage could only be classified as well on the downside of average. Not many of the 14,600 cups have reached my required level of perfection, but some have come really close. In some places the cafes have been more enticing than the coffee they serve. To score on both the ambiance and the coffee  is a bonus. In Prague there are cafes that are so elegant that if necessary you could excuse an inferior blend. It's not necessary (check out Coffee Cantata - Prague - January 13, 2012). In Paris, the constant promenade of elegant locals makes up for some of the most expensive cups of wish-wash coffee I've experienced anywhere. At a hole in the wall cafe in the small Italian coastal town of Amalfi I discovered the  true nectar of the Gods - no need for expensive decor or streets paved with gold there.

Coffee Cantata - Five Ways, Paddington

Gusto Deli Cafe at Five Ways, cnr Broughton Street

To get me zone ready for the pavement seated, people spotting mind set of the Parisians I headed for Cafe Gusto at Five Ways, Paddington. It's ideally located on the up side of a roundabout where five small roads meet. Quaint, with that London Mews look, on a sunny day it's bliss to sit outside. French was my intention so I ordered a Soy Cap ($4), not French at all, but  redeemed myself by ordering an Almond Croissant. No self respecting French Patisserie would be seen to be selling  the cow pat sized croissant that accompanied my coffee. A plus though, at $4 it would be ideal to share. The coffee had plenty of thick froth on top, but in the small cup it was served in there wasn't much room for a decent shot of coffee.
Score: 3.5 Bouquets

The Window Spotter - Thrifty Fashion

Looking for fashion that doesn't cost a fortune?

If you live in or are intending to visit Sydney this shop is a winner.

Add the Red Cross Shop, Oxford Street (opposite Paddington Markets) to your must do list. Fashionistas of all ages flock to it on weekends. Stock moves fast and is instantly replaced with more to choose from. You need to buy it when you spot it because, as I've learnt from experience, it's not there the next day. So what's so good about it? - donated (this seasons) designer samples, over-runs, and only worn a couple of times, clothing. It's easy to shop as everything is colour coded. I paid $25 for a new 'toi et moi' top that I wore to the opening of the Archibalds at the AGNSW.

"X- rated " Kings Cross Photography Prize 2011

With two "selected as finalists" photographs to my credit I've been reminded that nowhere on my Blog space is there a shot of the photograph chosen as a finalist for the Kings Cross Photography Prize 2011....................................well............................here it is.

Coffee Cantata - Sydney CBD

To all those who celebrate Easter, may this year be a safe, and a happy one.

Adora Hand Made Chocolates (and Easter goodies)

Shop 2a Bligh St. (entrance by Phillip St, Sydney CBD)

The perfect place in the City to enjoy a coffee away from the pavement buzz. At $4.50 a Soy Cap. it's getting up there, but with a hand made chocolate of your choosing thrown in, and a top cup of coffee, it's a deal.

Bouquets:4.5

Designer Art - AGNSW, Sydney

ART EXPRESS AGNSW  2012

With apologies to Madison Kate Mitchel for 'untangling'  her art. I love her story behind the creation of this work. As I grasp the concept of the red string running through it I take heart in its simplicity. Seen below are the left and right segments of the original. Can you imagine what's in the centre panel?.

Coffee Cantata - MCA, Circular Quay, Sydney

MCA CAFE - level 4, MCA, Circular Quay, Sydney
Simply irrestible. Only just opened. The coffee has a way to go, but the setting is world class. Enjoy.
Bouquets: 2.5

Coffee Cantata - Andalucia, Spain

The Coffee in Spain

In preparation for my European jaunt I'm researching what's what, in the world of coffee, and where to find it. Lonely Planet have come up with this helpful summary of what to ask for when ordering coffee in Andulcia (Spain).

"In Andalucia the coffee is good and strong. A cafe con leche is half milk, half coffee (something like cafe latte), a cortado is espresso with a dribble of milk (like an Italian macchiato), and solo is a straight black espresso. Ask for a grande or doble if you want a large cup (pequeno for small), en vaso if you want it in a glass and sombra or manchado if you want lots of milk."

Granada here I come (June 2012)

'The Window Spotter' - Double Bay & Edgecliff

Furniture from the Attic, Reddy St. Edgecliff

This shop front is just that...a shop front for Furniture from the Attic. If you want to get your hands on these lovingly restored pieces of attic furniture with their signature distressed paint finishes then check out their web site. I've seen cheaper but the detail of care that has gone into these pieces is excellent.

Oriental Legend, New South Head Road, Double Bay                                                             

All things bright and beautiful, these cushions are winners.Ranging in price from $15 to $45 they lend a sophisticated look to an 'at home' decor.

The Silk Shop, New South Head, Edgecliff

You'll enjoy the elegant design lines of this Teapot and two cups set

Tika Tea - New South Head Road, Double Bay

This is the ultimate in Japanese Teapots

Papier D'Amour - 8 Cross Street, Double Bay

A Happy Easter Wreath

                                                                                        The Silk Shop, Edgecliff
                                         Don't deny yourself this beautiful piece of Italian Silk

Fun Fashion & Fab Food

'The Window Spotter'

With the arrival on the retail scene of chain stores with their 'same as the next store' branding, shops that displayed individual style were forced to take a back seat.

In June/July 2012 'The Window Spotter' will accompany 'Coffee Cantata' on a European trip of discovery, unearthing those shops that, by daring to be different, stand out from the crowd. Through the eyes of Coffee Cantata and 'The Window Spotter' you'll be able to find out where the best places are in Europe to enjoy an above average cup of coffee, and where to find goods that deliver a leading design edge, with a sensible price tag attached.

TOP T's

At $40 they're a fun find.

Where: T-Bar, World Square Shopping Centre

SPANISH DELI DELIGHTS

A fabulous assortment of bottled, packaged and refrigerated Spanish food. So special that you'll want to build a siesta into your day.

Where: Encasa Deli, 135 Bathurst Street, Sydney CBD.

'The Window Spotter' - Storage boxes

With the arrival on the retail scene of chain stores with their 'same as the next store' branding, shops that displayed individual style were forced to take a back seat.

In June/July 2012 'The Window Spotter' will accompany 'Coffee Cantata' on a European trip of discovery, unearthing those shops that, by daring to be different, stand out from the crowd. Through the eyes of  Coffee Cantata and 'The Window Spotter' you'll be able to find out where the best places are in Europe to enjoy an above average cup of coffee, and where to find goods that deliver a leading design edge, with a sensible price tag attached.

Pretty Storage Boxes

How to accessorise on a very limited budget

Spotted in one of my regular haunts these pretty femine storage boxes come in various sizes and range in price from $10 to $25.

Where: The Reject Shop, Bondi Junction or any of the 200 + branches

 

"The Widow Spotter"

Iced Cakes

Celebrate in Style

These iced cakes are a little OTT but you'll get what I mean when I say "if you're looking for that little something different to celebrate an occassion/event, look no further than here. I didn't cost these beauties,but judjing by the prices on the small cakes, an order won't stretch your entertainment budget.

Where: Marrikville Quality Cakes, 236 Marrikville Road.

Coming to a space near you

Post the GFC a flagging retail market has had to look elsewhere for outlets. Hence a new Modus Operandi - the rise and rise of the Pop Up shop. Keep an eye out, they're everywhere. This one is in 'hallowed' William Street, Paddington.

'The Window Spotter ' - Sydney

Umbrellas with attitude

This wasn't my 'spot' but was passed on to me by a friend.

I raced into the Soul Pattison Pharmacy,MLC Centre, Martin Place to check out these umbrellas.

They're gorgeous, conjuring up visions of My Fair Lady elopes with the burlesque Deta Von Teese. All rhinestones, baubles, beads, and frivilous lace. Don't look at the price tag, just make an impulse purchase and worry about ithe damage later (you won't). Get in fast while the sun still shines because once it rains they'll be floating out the door.

                                            Colour in the  Kitchen

These 'happy' aprons will add a splash of colour to any kitchen and brighten up the wearer. Priced on the right side of $30 they're great to keep in the pressie's'drawer. Much better to give something that will be appreciated and used than to come up with an 11th hour, bought in a panic, gift. Make sure you get one for yourself while you're there. So where were they spotted?  King of Knives, Shop 1043, Westfield Shopping Centre, Bondi Junction.

                                                         In the Rear Vision Mirror

Where: at Bondi Bikes, cnr Oxford and Nelson Street, Bondi Junction. Dare to be different . Pick up a sporty handle bars mirror for your bike. It will lend a great colour accent and provide you with generous rear vision at the same time. There's a touch of European nostalgia here, they remind me of the chequered flags used at the Grand Prix in Monaco. A steal at $35.

Product Photography

You need neither a Degree in Product Photography or expensive props to 'pull off' a great shot. This Reflective Crystal Goblet shot was set up on my coffee table using natural light. The composition is intentionally simple, with a view to showing the glass off to advantage.  The reflection in the shot is an added bonus. NB. Less is always  more.....

Coffee Cantata - Bondi Junction's south end and Queen Street, Woollahra

COFFEE CANTATA

Coffee Cantata is all about giving bouquets (1 for bad to 5 for brilliant) to cafes that come up with a cup of coffee that's worth going back for. Forty years of globe trotting on at least one cup of coffee a day represents a minimum intake of 14,600 cups (horrors). A lifetime of perfect on the palate notes, enhanced by the settings and surrounds I have chosen to enjoy this endearing and enduring stimulant.

With a background in travel - over a ten year period I was Sales and Marketing Manager for three Corporate Travel Agencies, and a degree in Nutrition, I am well qualified to comment on where to find a good cup of coffee in your travels
I'm not a coffee purist, nor do I claim to be a beans and blends expert, but I do recognise a good cup of coffee when I taste one.
By choice I drink cafe espresso or long black in Europe, Soy Cappuccino (without chocolate on top) in Australia, and a 'normal' Cappuccino in the countries that aren't yet into Soy Milk - from recent experience, Croatia, Spain, and Singapore.
Not many of the 14,600 cups have registered on my required level of perfection scale, but some have come really close. In some places the cafes have been more enticing than the products they serve. To score both is a bonus. In Prague there are Cafes whose surrounds are so elegant that you would excuse an inferior blend. In Paris the passing parade counters some of the lesser and most expensive cups of coffee I've experienced
As my contribution to the pleasures of the palate I intend to run Coffee Cantata as an 'open ended' blog. Coffee enthusiasts will be able to tap into my sources and resources, and hopefully add their own. This is the start of a world Coffee Cantata movement.

For the month of March 2012 this writer's outright favourite coffee was enjoyed at Latticini, cnr Darling Street and Hancock Lane, Rozelle. (see Coffee Cantata - Enmore, Glebe,Rozelle)

Weekly Update: Friday 16 March - not a cup of coffee this week that teased my palate enough to give an enthusiastic report on. I've been 'doing' the rounds of the recently opened, seriously on-trend cafes. The food has been excellent, but the coffee has a way to go. Rather than name and shame, I'll wait until they have had time to settle in before passing judgement.

For the month of February 2012 this writer's outright favourite coffee was enjoyed  at Ampersand Cafe Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street (Darlinghurst end) Sydney.

                                              Jones the Grocer

Always reliable, Jones the Grocer, 68 Moncur Street, Woollahra sits just around the corner from Queen Street. Although there is no pavement seating the indoor area is of Warehouse proportions giving it a spacious, relaxed feel. The cup size is undergenerous but the coffee is good.
Score: 4 Bouquets

Sugar Cafe, 2b Nelson Street, Bondi Junction

Tucked just around the corner from Oxford Street, adjacent to Bondi Bikes this little side walk cafe doesn't ooze the wow factor but it doesn't have "attitude" either - the staff are very welcoming. It's not somewhere that you would diary as having to visit, but it's perfect if you're looking for a cup of coffee after you've cycled  around and around nearby Centenial Park and called into the bike shop to pick up yet more accessories. Coffee is well priced. Score: 3 bouquets


SAVTA , Waverley Street, Bondi Junction. An oasis in the midst of a concrete jungle.

Savta sits in a sylvan setting diagonally across from the back entrance of Myer, Bondi Junction. Pavement tables beckon passers by and the cafe doors are wide open to the courtyard, giving the appearance from the inside of being on the outside. It's an ideal place for an inexpensive lunch ($10 -$15) and perfect for a casual coffee. I pay $3.50 for an excellent tasting generous sized cup of Soy Cap. A long black is $3. As the name implies, the menu has a predominately Israeli theme. Mine host is most agreeable, easy on the eye, and very customer orientated, hence the noticeable repeat business. Try Savta's Beef Burger ($10) stuffed full with beef, spinach, tomato, chutney, melted cheese, caramelised onion and mayonnaise..you won't leave feeling hungry. Score: 4 Bouquets

Diagonally across from Savta also in Waverley Street is Central Baking Depot. Not great for coffee as the cups are too small and the coffee pretty standard but a great place to buy a loaf of Sourdough or Soy and Linseed bread. They also sell the most irresistible pastries. I inevitably end up taking one home for later! Score: 3 Bouquets

Coffee Cantata hits Woollahra (my local neighbourhood)

At 107 Queen Street, Zigolinis (Italian), is a Woollahra institution and a perennial favourite of mine. They always have a divine floral display centre stage to compliment the indoor outdoor experience. If you're in the area pop in and enjoy an always consistent coffee, and a decadent slice of calorie laden cake .Score: 4 Bouquets

Cafe Creme, 101 Queen Street, Woollahra

With a florist shop for a backdrop Cafe Creme occupies an elevated vantage point right in the heart of  Queen Street. So perfect for people gazing and celebrity spotting. At $4.30 for a Soy Cap on weekends it needs to be good, and it is. Shaded outside seating makes it easy to linger longer, and if you're peckisk the menu is very palate pleasing. Judged on my bouquets awarded scale  (1-5) this scores 5 Bouquets

Moving south east to Waverley for a relaxing coffee on a Sunday, post lunch, I dropped in on Stock Cafe & Foodstore, 29 Albion Street

 When last I visited here I enjoyed their wholesome and simply presented food. This visit coffee was the only thing on my agenda. As I keep stressing "it's all in the beans". Don't know what happened to these beans, but the resulting coffee (Campo) was bitter and watery.
Score: 1.5 Bouquets (very close to a brick bat)

Coffee Cantata - Darlinghurst & Potts Point

Coffee Cantata is all about giving bouquets to those cafes that come up with a cup of coffee that's worth going back again and again for.


Ducale (street side cafe) cnr Oxford and West St, Paddington
For shopaholics who love their coffee to this barrow style cafe is a great stop off/meeting place,in lower Oxford Street before heading up the hill to yet more shopping. The coffee will reward those that take the time out to enjoy it. Bouquets: 4

Llankelly Place, Kings Cross - just before  Darlinghurst Road turns the corner into the more gentrified, Macleay Street.

I was apartment hunting this morning in the Kings Cross/Potts Point area. In need of a stimulant I checked out this laneway in search of a mid-morning 'fix'..... you can expect to find something a little more stimulating than coffee in this area. Much to my delight there were three cafes I could choose from. I chose the one on the left of this shot. Although it has a Greek theme, be assured,......the coffee is 100% OZ standard. At $4.00 it sits up there with the best. Bouquets: 4

Kawa 348a Crown Street, Surry Hills

I've passed this cafe often in the bus and each time I've made a mental note that irrespective of the time of day it's always busy. To test my busy is good theory I finally got to buy and try. I'ts Friday lunchtime and the place is buzzing, a little too loudly for my liking. Great if you're with a group sitting inside, better if you're with minimum company, and have managed to score a pavement table. I'm stuck with the mezzanine floor (loud noise rises). All is forgiven when not long after I've ordered my Soy Cap arrives - at ideal temperature, decent sized cup, and served with a winning smile. Casting my eyes around the other tables I note generous salad plates being delivered. I can't vouch for these, but you may like to take the coffee thing one step further and order a salad to. Bouquets: 4


I hadn't planned to hand out 'brick bats', but as I only drink a couple of cups of coffee a day, if they're not up to scratch I really begrudge a bad one. I struck out, then spoke out today! To give the cafe credit they did offer to make me a fresh take away cup. So where is this cafe?

La Croix, 44A Macleay Street.
enter via Macleay Street or the courtyard beside theAlamein Fountain green space.

Visually it's a delight, all clean and white and evocative, perfectly designed for the beautiful people crowd who want to see and be seen. I couldn't fault the presentation (won't go into detail) because the warm fuzzy feeling it created  fell apart when I tasted the small, luke warm cup of weak coffee, and watery soy milk. Apparently I'm the only person who has complained about the coffee. My policy: if you don't like what's been served to you, stand up and be counted.  Bouquets: 1 .

After this less than pleasant experience I  headed around the corner to

Coco Cubano at 97 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross where I knew I would enjoy their always reliable, brew. Bouquets: 4  NB. Since my visit this cafe has a new owner and has been renamed Kings Cross Whisper. I've yet to try it out in its new guise

This was its sister cafe, Coco Cobano, Taylor Square, until Coco Cobano, Kings Cross changed ownership.

I called into Taylor Square for a coffee on the way to the movies. At $4.20 the coffee wasn't a patch on the high standard set by its now ex-sister.

Bouquets:3

Now I know that I'm onto a winner - Ampersand Cafe Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street (Darlinghurst end), opposite COFA.

This is the best Soy Capuccino to pass my lips so far this year. At $4 it's up their with the expensive ones, but worth every cent.

A beautiful blend, excellent temperature, great froth and served in a large cup sitting on a dainty , mismatched, pink rose covered saucer.

I'd sit in a hole in a wall to enjoy this. No need here though as Ampersand is also a second hand bookstore covering three enticing floors, a basement and a casual outdoor area. Go to browse, socialise or just to chill out and enjoy the ambience. Bouquets: 5

Coffee Cantata - Enmore,Glebe, Rozelle - Sydney

Latticini, cnr Darling Street and Hancock Lane, Rozelle
My winner of the best cup of coffee I experienced in March. Nothing plush about the decor here and neither does it be pretend to be anything other than what it is....a great hang out for local students. They sure know how to deliver coffee with a kick that sends you floating out the door. I couldn't fault it. Bouquets: 5

Double Roasters, 199 Victoria Road, Marrikville

This is where it's at. Melbourne finally comes to Sydney via a side door. A right 'on-trend' cafe in the most unlikely of places. Great atmosphere, acceptable noise level (ignore the flight path overhead) brilliant coffee, with food to match. The price is right - check it out. I guarantee that it will be near the top of your favourites list.

Silverbean, 339 Enmore Road, Enmore.

Right across the road from the Enmore Theatre

Perhaps I shouldn't be giving away this personal favourite, but.....this cafe is 'spot on'. The coffee is fantastic, service exemplary, food comes in generous serving sizes, and is most pleasing to the palate, and, unbelievably for all these pluses, the price is right.

Glebe Point Road

This is a fun cafe strip stretching from Broadway, up four blocks to Wigram Road. Fab cafes and restaurants are plentiful so take your pick. I'm not recommending any one in particular as the coffee is consistently good and food is reasonably priced and of a high standard.

 Market Day is Saturday

Coffee Cantata - Sydney, Australia

Introducing my local coffee haunts within 2kms of my home in Paddington.

Red Leaf Cafe - Kiosk, Red Leaf Pool (down the steps from the Woollahra Council Building)

What a way to spend a lazy Sunday, or any other day, if you're able to take time out. This is a no decorating frills, plain and simple kiosk. Who needs style and flair when you can sit under the shade of the big black umbrellas looking out at the harbour, with Double Bay in one direction and Point Piper in the other. And guess what? the coffee is oh so very good. The wickedly decadent chocolate brownies, bulging with crunchy walnuts, are worth dieting for, and the price is right. A word of warning....a parking spot is usually hard to find on New South Head Road - hang in there as the coffee is worth the frustration.

Alimentari, 2 Hopetoun Street, Paddington
This is the locals local tucked in at the bottom of William Street where is turns the corner into Hopetoun Street. Pram and pushchair territory in the mornings and a sophisticated coffee stop on weekends. Worth popping in you want to soak up an Italian atmosphere and good coffee, in trendy Paddington. 

The Falconer Bar Cafe Restaurant, 31 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
It's not what you would expect to find at the Hyde Park end of Oxford Street. There's nothing especially glamorous or groovy about this place. It has the look and feel of a 1950's Milk bar style cafe and would be quite at home in a European neighbourhood. I've seen similar in cafes in Venice. It's one of those little locals that comes up with food and coffee that really speaks the language.The mood is welcoming and comfortable, with no pressure on the  'just coffee please' types to drink up and move on.The coffee is for real and the choice of decadent Continental cakes, an exercise in self indulgence. They're open from dawn till dark so feel free to stay on for lunch and return for dinner to enjoy the Italian themed menu. Mains come in under $27.

The Goods, 253 Crown Street, Darlinghurst
Just off Oxford Street, down from Taylor Square there's a gem of a cafe.  Everything about it hits the right note. The food is brilliant, especially the organic salads, the mood relaxed, the coffee spot on, and the choice of  little something sweet to accompany your coffee is irresistible. Think  ginger, date and walnut biscuit, with a generous layer of lemony icing.

Further up Oxford Street, not far away from the weekend Paddington Market site you'll come across Paddington Blend at 339 Oxford Street. The pavement tables here are occupied from early morning with hobby cyclists rewarding themselves with an after ride breakfast. Mid morning brings Mum's in need of a break from the house, and well heeled suburban women planning the rest of their day. Then there's the lunch crowd and the afternoon shoppers looking to inspect their purchases over a coffee. This is the most expensive coffee on my local run but the amiable Barista does a superb job. He gets an eight out of ten from me.

Coffee Cantata - the Darlinghurst Road strip.  Spoilt for choice here I keep going back to an oldie, but still a goodie, Bar Coluzzi. The coffee is consistent and there's always an eclectic mix of pavement dwellers throughout the day propped up on tiny stools, unpretentiously sipping their lattes,

Coffee Cantata - Queen Street, Woollahra. There are six plus cafes in this small area serving coffee 'to go' or 'to have here' ?.

Based on the taste test, considering price, and cup size (which varies greatly),  Kuk Thai                 is my winner. Their mainstay is Thai food, and fab mixed fruit and vegetable juices.  It's well worth dropping in for a shot of caffeine., you won't be disappointed

and at Bondi Junction - a small hole-in -the-wall sandwich bar, Monty's Sandwich Shop,  Spring Street, puts an emphasis on  drop dead gorgeous sandwiches, to eat there, take out, or make a call from your office to have them delivered. So what's good about the coffee, have here or takeaway? Simple - the in-residence, Barista! who pulls a 'mean' coffee, and all for $3 a cup.

Encasa Deli, 135 Bathurst Street, Sydney

Is this a deli, a cafe or a deli/cafe? Whatever, it's a real hit. The ham is to die for and the coffee, my main objective, is a real and generous winner.

Indigo Transvaal Ave, Double Bay

This is the perfect place for a Sunday morning coffee. Either outside beneath the awnings on a sunny day or inside when a Sydney summer isn't behaving. At $4.00 it's a good cup.